Disclosed here are shaving razor systems including razor handles that dock with razor cartridges. In some embodiments, a handle is configured to dock with a razor cartridge using a single hook configured to mate with a cartridge tab a central pushrod is mounted with a spring into the handle, and is configured to exert a pushing force on the mounted cartridge.

Patent
   10569435
Priority
Nov 23 2016
Filed
May 11 2018
Issued
Feb 25 2020
Expiry
Dec 15 2036
Assg.orig
Entity
Large
2
382
currently ok
1. An apparatus comprising,
a razor handle with a docking end and a rear end, the docking end including a spring mounted pushrod and a flexible single metal hook arm;
a razor cartridge with a cap, a guard, two sides connecting the cap and the guard, a front side and a back side, the back side including a receiver section, the receiver section including three side walls and a central tab, the central tab configured to hook with the handle flexible single metal hook arm, the receiver section three walls configured to couple with the spring mounted pushrod,
wherein the receiver section includes a gap adjacent to the central tab, in which the flexible metal hook arm is configured to pivot in to the gap, thereby releasing the central tab, and wherein the flexible single metal hook arm is mounted in the handle by a pivot, a pivot axis arranged perpendicular to the single metal hook arm.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the pushrod is a straight rod with a back end and front end, wherein the front end including a portion extending outward in a perpendicular fashion to the straight rod pushrod.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one of the receiver section three walls is a curved wall.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the guard includes a guard bar made of a material, and wherein the receiver section is coated in the same material as the guard bar material.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a shaving plane is defined by a plane on the front side touching both the guard and cap; and wherein the closest distance between the central tab and the shaving plane between the guard and cap is less than 1 mm.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a spring mounted pushrod spring is mounted in the handle to push the pushrod away from the handle and when coupled to the receiver section, impart a force on one of the three side walls.

This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 15/380,760 filed 15 Dec. 2016, which claims priority to U.S. provisional application 62/425,820 filed 23 Nov. 2016, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

This application relates to the field of shaving razor assemblies including handles, cartridges and/or interaction between the component parts of a shaving razor assembly.

Previously, shaving razors and razor cartridges suffered from inherent drawbacks based on their docking mechanisms and pivots systems. Such razors did not provide comfortable shaves, could not easily dock cartridges and had pivot mechanisms that could wear out.

Systems and methods here include improved razor blade cartridges, handles, and docking/pivot mechanisms between the two. Some embodiments include a shaving razor system, including a razor handle with a back end and a docking end, the docking end including, a central pushrod mounted by a spring in the handle, the spring being biased to push the pushrod away from the handle, one hook arm mounted to the handle at an axis, the hook arm having a hook end and a pivot end, the hook arm being mounted to the handle proximately to the pushrod, and a slidable button connected to the handle in communication with the pivot end of the hook arm.

Systems and methods here include shaving cartridges with a cap, guard, razor blades, and a receiver section mounted thereon. In some embodiments, the receiver section includes a structure with a barrel shaped interior, a tab to engage a hook from a handle and a flat next to the tab for the hook to pivot into and disengage the tab. Systems and methods here include combinations of the handle and cartridge as described herein.

In some embodiments, the systems include a razor handle with a back end and a docking end, the docking end including, a central pushrod mounted by a spring in the handle, the spring being biased to push the pushrod out from the handle, one hook arm mounted to the handle at an axis, the hook arm having a hook end and a pivot end with the axis mounted between the hook end and pivot end, the hook arm being mounted to the handle under the pushrod, and a slidable button connected to the handle in communication with the pivot end of the hook arm, configured to pivot the hook arm. In some embodiments, the hook arm is made of rigidly flexible material. And in some embodiments, the shaving cartridge has a front side with a cap and guard and a back side with a receiver structure shaped to engage a barrel end of the central pushrod. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the shaving cartridge back side includes one central hook tab in the receiver structure, the central hook tab shaped to engage with the hook arm hook end on the handle. In some embodiments the pushrod barrel end includes a recessed portion configured so that the hook arm may be mounted under the pushrod and the hook end may fit near the pushrod barrel. In some embodiments, the receiver structure the guard on the cartridge are made of a plastic with slippery properties. In some embodiments, the shaving cartridge is spring biased by the pushrod toward its front side when mounted to the handle. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the receiver structure and a guard on the cartridge are coated in a polymer material. In some embodiments, the slidable button includes a cam configured to contact with the pivot end of the hook arm when the slidable button is in a forward position.

Alternatively or additionally, embodiments here include a razor cartridge with a frame having a front side and a back side, a plurality of razor blades mounted in the frame, a cap, a guard, and a docking receiver, wherein the cap and guard are mounted on the front side of the razor cartridge, wherein the docking receiver is mounted on the back side of the razor cartridge and the docking receiver includes receiving walls, a tab, and a well.

Alternatively or additionally, some embodiments include a razor handle with a back end and a docking end, the docking end including, a central pushrod mounted with a spring in the handle, one hook arm mounted to the handle at an axis, the hook arm having a hook end and a pivot end on either side of the axis, and a slidable button connected to the handle, configured to communicate with the pivot end of the hook arm in a forward position. In some embodiments, the pushrod includes a barrel end arranged perpendicular to the pushrod, and the pushrod barrel end is configured to fit into the docking receiver on the razor cartridge.

Alternatively or additionally, some embodiments include a razor cartridge with a front and a back, including a docking receiver structure on the back, wherein the docking receiver includes walls forming a basket and a central tab, and a razor handle with a back end and a docking end, the docking end including, a central pushrod, wherein the central pushrod is mounted with a spring in the handle, one hook arm mounted to the handle at an axis between a hook end and a pivot end, and a slidable button connected to the handle configured to communicate with the pivot end of the hook arm in a forward position.

For a better understanding of the embodiments described in this application, reference should be made to the Detailed Description below, in conjunction with the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout the figures.

FIG. 1 is an example top down illustration of a razor cartridge and handle with docking mechanism according to certain embodiments described here.

FIG. 2 is an example illustration of a cartridge and handle docking according to certain embodiments described here.

FIG. 3 is an example exploded illustration of a handle with docking mechanism according to certain embodiments described here.

FIG. 4 is another example perspective illustration of a razor handle with docking mechanism according to certain embodiments described here.

FIG. 5 is an example cut away illustration of a handle with docking mechanism according to certain embodiments described here.

FIG. 6 is an example perspective of a cartridge according to certain embodiments described here.

FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D are example side view illustrations of an example cartridge and handle docking steps according to certain embodiments described here.

FIG. 8 is another example perspective illustration of a cartridge and portions of a docking mechanism according to certain embodiments described here.

FIG. 9 is another example perspective illustration of a cartridge and portions of a docking mechanism according to certain embodiments described here.

FIG. 10 is an example side illustration of a cartridge and handle docking according to certain embodiments described here.

FIG. 11A is an example side illustration of a cartridge and handle docking according to certain embodiments described here.

FIG. 11B is an example side illustration of a cartridge and handle docking according to certain embodiments described here.

FIG. 12 is an example side illustration of a cartridge and portion of a handle docking according to certain embodiments described here.

FIG. 13 is an example side illustration of cartridge forces according to certain embodiments described here.

FIG. 14A is an alternate example illustration of a cartridge and portions of a docking mechanism according to certain embodiments described here.

FIG. 14B is an alternate example illustration of a docking mechanism according to certain embodiments described here.

FIG. 14C is an alternate example illustration of a cartridge according to certain embodiments described here.

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a sufficient understanding of the subject matter presented herein. But it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. Moreover, the particular embodiments described herein are provided by way of example and should not be used to limit the scope of the disclosures to these particular embodiments.

Overview

The razor cartridge docking system embodiments described here include various features for a razor cartridge and a razor handle, the interaction between the two and the structures used to hold or dock a razor cartridge to the handle. Some embodiments include features used to allow the cartridge to pivot with respect to the handle during a shaving operation. And some embodiments include features used to not only dock a cartridge but also discharge or eject a cartridge from the handle.

FIG. 1 shows top down view of an example embodiment end of a handle 102 and an example embodiment cartridge 104 with a docking system 106 connecting the handle 102 and the cartridge 104. The cartridge 104 is a razor cartridge with any number of blades 105 mounted in it and a cap and guard (not shown) on the front of it. In some embodiments, the handle 102 can release the cartridge 104, leaving portions of the docking system 106 with the handle 102, and other engaging docking portions on the cartridge 104. Further details of the docking system 106 are described below. When in the upright docked arrangement, as shown in FIG. 1, the razor can be used to shave hair from a user. When the blades dull, the cartridge 104 can be ejected, and a new cartridge 104 can be docked to the handle 102. In some embodiments, the cartridge 104 may pivot, relative to the handle 102 to maintain skin contact during a shave operation and return to an upright resting position as shown in FIG. 1 after a shave.

As can be seen from FIG. 1, one of many advantages of the arrangement of the docking system 106 being placed as low as it is on the cartridge head 104 is that it does not interfere with the blades 105 on the cartridge head 104. This allows for a superior rinse through of water and material through the open backed the cartridge head 104 and between the blades 105 as they may be supported by an internal frame system without interference of the docking mechanism 106.

FIG. 2 shows an illustration of the handle 202 and the cartridge 204 separated but aligned for docking or just after an ejection of the cartridge 204. In FIG. 2, the pushrod 212 is retracted into the handle 202 as if it were docked to the cartridge 204 but in some embodiments, the pushrod 212 is spring loaded as described herein which would cause it to push forward to its normal resting position, extended from the handle 202. In some examples, the spring is a compression spring, biased to push the pushrod out and away from the handle. Thus, in the spring loaded examples, in a normal resting position, the pushrod 212 would be extended out away from the handle 202 as explained herein. Then, as explained below, to dock the cartridge 204 to the handle 202, the barrel 240 of the pushrod 212 may be lined up with the receiving section/structure or docking structure 224 on the cartridge 204 and the pushrod 212 is pushed into the receiver section 224. By pushing the pushrod 212 into the receiver section 224, the pushrod 212 would retract into the handle 202 by a user compressing the spring (internal to the handle 202).

To dock a cartridge 204 to a handle 202, a user may push the handle 202 far enough toward the cartridge 204 until the single hook 208, shown just under the pushrod barrel 240 and lined up with the tab 220 in the receiver section 224 on the cartridge 204, interacts with the tab 220 and snaps into place to secure the cartridge head 204 to the handle. The single hook 208 may then deflect and slide over the tab 220 and then snap down into place once the hook portion 208 is pushed far enough into the receiver section 224. The sides of the pushrod barrel 240 may then engage with the material lining the inside of the receiver section 224.

For some embodiments, in a docked position, only the single hook 208 may hold the cartridge head 204 to the handle 202 in some embodiments. The pushrod 212 when docked may exert a spring force away from the handle 202 by pushing on the receiver section 224. As this receiver section 224 is behind the tab 220 where the single hook 208 connects, the pushrod 212 exerts the return force for the cartridge head 204 when it pivots around the fulcrum of the single hook 208 and tab 220 as described herein.

In some embodiments, the cartridge includes a gap, well, space or flat area 299 just to the side of the tab 220. This gap 299 may allow the single hook 208 to pivot off of the tab 220 and disengage the cartridge 204 as described herein. It should be noted that the depiction of the flat area 220 being arranged to the right of the tab 220 is an example only and the two could be reversed, with the tab 220 on the right and the flat area 299 on the left. The arrangement is meant to coincide with the operation of the single hook 208 explained herein. Thus, if the single hook 208 is configured in the handle 202 to pivot to the right when a button or slider 214 is depressed, then the flat area 299 should be arranged to the right of the tab 299 and vice versa.

In the arrangement of FIG. 2, no part of the receiver section 224 covers the blades 205 and thus, water and material may rinse through and between the blades more easily than if the docking structures 206 such as the receiver section 224 were built over and on top of the blades 205. Again, this arrangement of the receiver section 224 on the cartridge head 204 as low as it is shown in FIG. 2 minimizes the impediments it may make to the open back of the cartridge 204 and thereby the space between the blades 205. Thus, the rinse-through of the blades 205 is not affected by the arrangement of the receiver section 224 on the cartridge 204.

It should be noted that the pushrod barrel 240 may be made of any kind of inflexible sturdy material for repeated use. The pushrod barrel 240 may be made of metal, hard plastic, carbon fiber, ceramics, composites, and/or and other kind of hard material. The single hook 208 may be made of a resilient yet slightly flexible material so it can bend over the tab 220 when docked, yet still be able to snap into place to secure the tab 220 when it is pushed far enough into the receiver section 224. In such a way the single hook 208 may be made of metal, plastic or composite material that is resiliently flexible.

Handle Overview

FIG. 3 shows an example embodiment of the under-side, exploded view of an example handle 302 with the pushrod 312 and the single hook 308 as well as the spring 390 removed. As can be seen from the example of FIG. 3 that in some embodiments, the pushrod 312 includes both a pushrod barrel 340 and a pushrod arm 342 which can be coupled to a spring 390. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the pushrod barrel 340 is arranged generally perpendicular to the pushrod itself 342. In such an example, the pushrod barrel 340 may be shorter in length than the pushrod 342 and be configured to fit into a cartridge receiver structure, as described herein. The spring 390 may bias the pushrod 312 out and away from the handle 302 to facilitate a cartridge ejection when the single hook 308 decouples from the cartridge (not shown) as disclosed herein as well as provide the return force for a cartridge pivot. In some examples, the pushrod 312 also includes a gap or cutout 344 in the underside of the pushrod barrel 340 that is configured to provide space for the single hook 308. In some embodiment, the single hook 308 may be mounted under the pushrod 312 in the handle 302, to sit in the middle of the handle 302 during resting and docking positions and stick out slightly past the pushrod barrel 340 as well as pivot when the button is pushed to disengage the cartridge. By such an arrangement, the single hook 308 in a resting position may be able to flex to engage the razor cartridge tab as explained herein when pushed onto the cartridge for docking. The single hook 308 may also pivot when disengaged by the spring 390 and disengage the cartridge tab (not shown) in an ejection situation as described herein.

When resting, in some example embodiments, the pushrod 312 may be extended from the handle 302 by force from the spring 390 mounted in the handle 302. Such an example uses a spring which is biased to push the pushrod 312 out and away from the handle 302. When docked to a cartridge head, only the single spring 308 may hold the cartridge head to the handle, and the pushrod 312 may maintain a spring force out and away from the handle 302. This spring force from the pushrod 312 spring 390 may then eject the cartridge when the single hook 308 pivots to disengage from the cartridge tab as disclosed herein. The same spring force may also be the return force for the cartridge when it pivots during a shave operation.

FIG. 4 shows another perspective view of the handle 402 and the docking system 406 including a single hook 408 mounted under the gap 444 in the pushrod 412. In some embodiments, the docking system 406 may be used to both connect the handle 402 and the razor cartridge but also provide a pivot for the cartridge in relation to the handle 402. FIG. 4 also shows a button 414 on the handle 402. The button 414 in some embodiments is spring loaded and configured to slide forward when pushed by a user, toward the end of the handle 402 with the docking system 406. By pushing the button 414, a lever and cam inside the handle may move the single hook 408 to one side as explained below. In some embodiments, the pushrod 412 may be spring loaded inside the handle 402 and may slide into and out of the handle 402 but be spring biased to push out and away from the handle 402.

FIG. 5 shows an example illustration of the inside of the assembled underside of the docking system 506 and handle 502. The assembled docking system 506 is shown as including the single hook 508 and the pushrod 512, the two components of the docking system 506 visible from the end of the handle 502 as shown in FIG. 4. In FIG. 5, the pushrod 512 is in its natural position, extended from the handle 502 biased by the spring 590 which is configured to push it out and away from the handle 502. The underside of the pushrod 512 barrel section 540 includes a cutout 544 which may allow the single hook 508 to move without interference while the pushrod 512 is in different positions, extending from the handle 502. The spring 590 is shown attached to the pushrod 512. In some embodiments, as shown are two guide slots 592 that the pushrod 512 is configured to traverse during actuation to limit the travel distance of the pushrod 512. In some embodiments, the guide slots are not used, and instead a sliding ridge is formed in the top of the pushrod to align it during sliding movement. In such examples, a step or ledge may be formed in the pushrod 512, and/or the sliding ridge to limit the travel of the pushrod 512 in the handle 502.

In some embodiments, the pushrod 512 is biased out, forward, and away from the handle 502 by the spring 590. Thus, in a resting position, the pushrod 512 would be extended from the handle 502 as shown in FIG. 5. But as described herein, when docked, the single hook 508 may hold the cartridge (not shown) close to the handle 502 which can only occur when the pushrod 512 is pushed back into the handle 502, thereby compressing the spring 590 which would continue to push the pushrod 512 even when docked.

Cartridge Overview

FIG. 6 shows an example embodiment of a cartridge 604 and the receiver section 624 of the cartridge 604. Inside the receiver section 624, the tab 620 for engaging the single hook (not shown) as described herein, is shown along with the gap, space, well, or other empty region 699 where the single hook (not shown) may pivot into to disengage the tab 620 as described and release the cartridge 604.

In some embodiments, the walls of the receiver section 624 may form a shape such as a basket or a well. The receiver section may include walls surrounding a void or other space in some but not all directions. In some examples, one or multiple insides of the walls of the receiver section 624 may be curved to fit the shape of the pushrod barrel (not shown). In some examples, a cutout shape 646 is also included at the top of one wall of the receiver section 624. The cutout shape 646 is an example of one of various shapes that the walls of the receiver section 624 may take in order to affect the pivot travel for the handle by restricting the limits of movement of the pushrod and pushrod barrel. In some embodiments, instead of the cutout 646 the cartridge 604 may include a tab, an arch, or other shape that may interact with the pushrod and stop or limit the travel of the pushrod when docked with the cartridge 604.

As described above, in some embodiments, the opening to the receiver section 624 may be made of a material or be coated with a material that is elastomeric, rubberized, lubricative, grippy, tacky, sticky, spongy, slippery, colored, and/or impact resistant. Such material may be made of latex, rubber, plastic, foam, polymer, or other material with such properties listed here. In some embodiments that may be the same material used in the guard bar of the front of the cartridge. This material for the coating of the receiver section may cushion the pushrod barrel when it is docked and provide a soft interface for the docking and pivot. In some examples, the material inside the receiver section 624 is the same color as the guard bar on the razor cartridge 604.

FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D show example illustrations of how the cartridge 704 may dock to the handle 702 with docking system 706 according to some embodiments.

First, in FIG. 7A, a user wishes to load or dock a new cartridge 704 onto the handle 702 with button 714. In its natural position, the pushrod 712 is shown extended because the spring 790 pushes the pushrod 712 out and away from the handle 702. The cartridge 704 is shown aligned with the handle 702 and the single hook 708 is shown in its natural position in the handle 702 which is closer to the handle 702 than the extended pushrod barrel 740 above taper section stopper 794.

Next, in FIG. 7B, the example shows an illustration where the user has pushed the pushrod barrel 740 into the receiver section 724 of the cartridge 704. The pushrod 712 is still fully extended from the handle 702 due to the spring 790 force. Also, the single hook 708 is still resting in the handle 702 and has not yet come into contact with the cartridge 704. In use, the cartridge 704 may be anchored in place by a tray or other packaging, so the handle 702 can be docked to the cartridge 704.

Then, FIG. 7C shows a scenario where a user has pushed the handle 702 farther toward the cartridge 704 thereby pushing the pushrod 712 up into the handle 702 against the spring 790 force. The single hook 708 (highlighted in black) is pushed to where it touches and engages a ramp on the tab 720 in the cartridge 704. As the handle 702 is pushed farther onto the cartridge 704, the single hook 708 flexes up as shown by arrow 709 as it bends over the tab 720.

Finally, FIG. 7D shows an example where the single hook 708 is pushed in far enough to snap over the tab 720 and hold the cartridge head 704 to the handle 702. In FIG. 7D, the pushrod 712 is pushed far enough into the handle that the single hook 708 snaps over the tab 720. By snapping over the tab 720, the single hook 708 secures the cartridge 704 to the handle 702 and holds it against the spring force of the pushrod 712. In this docked position, the razor handle 702 and cartridge 704 may be used to shave a target of the user.

FIG. 8 shows an example detail illustration without the handle but with only one part of the docking system connecting to a cartridge head 804. The docking system portion is just the single hook 808 in contact with and engaging the cartridge head 804 tab 820.

In docking the handle (not shown) to the cartridge head 804, the single hook may be pushed onto the cartridge 804 and deflect over the tab 820 and then snap into place over the tab 820. The single hook 808 remains centered on the handle by spring tension in a resting position in some embodiments and in some embodiments is pulled by a cam attached to either the button or pushrod. The single hook 808 may provide a pivot fulcrum for the cartridge pivot as the single hook 808 when docked, and exert a pulling force on the cartridge head 804 working opposite the pushing force of the pushrod.

At the same time in docking, in some embodiments, the pushrod (not shown) may fit into the receiver unit 824 and be forced back into the handle as the pushrod is spring biased to push out of the handle. In such examples, the pushrod may push the cartridge out and away until in a docking motion, the single hook 808 snaps over the tab 820 and holds the cartridge head 804 in place. The pushing force of the pushrod may act as the return force for the cartridge head when deflected by a user in use in a pivoting use situation.

FIG. 9 shows an example perspective illustration of the cartridge head 904 engaged or docked with the pushrod 912 and the single hook 908 but does not show the rest of the handle. In FIG. 9 the pushrod barrel 940 is shown engaged with the receiver section 924 of the cartridge 904. The single hook 908 is also shown engaged with the tab (obscured) of the cartridge 904. The pushrod 912 push arm 942 is also shown. In this engaged, docked configuration, the handle would be attached to the cartridge head 904 for shaving operation.

In some examples, the pushrod 912 may be spring loaded and the pushrod barrel 940 would exert a pushing force out and away from the handle by pushing on the receiver section 924. This pushing spring force may be the return force when the cartridge head 904 pivots back toward the handle when in use. A combination of the single hook 908 flexing and the pushrod pushing out, would allow the cartridge head 904 to pivot around the fulcrum of the point where the single hook 908 interacts with the receiver section 924 at the tab (obscured) to pivot in use.

When in this docked position as shown in FIG. 9, the single hook 908 may exert a pulling force on the tab and thereby the front guard portion of the cartridge 904 due to the spring force of the single hook 908 flexing. This pulling force may hold the cartridge in an upright position as the pushrod 912 exerts a constant pushing force on the cartridge head 904 receiver section 924 which is located behind the single hook 908.

In some embodiments the walls of the receiver section 924 may be shaped to allow the pushrod 912 to pivot back and forth as shown by the arrow. The shape of the receiver section 924 walls may limit the travel arc for the pivot of the pushrod 912 and thereby the handle when the walls of the receiver section 924 hit the pushrod 912 barrel 940. In some embodiments, a cutout 946 may be built into the top portion of the receiver section 924 to allow the pushrod 912 to pivot.

In some embodiments, the receiver section 924 of the cartridge 904 may include portions with coatings or be made of a particular material. Such coatings or material may be elastomeric, rubberized, lubricative, grippy, tacky, sticky, spongy, slippery and/or impact resistant. Such material may be made of latex, rubber, plastic, foam, or other material with such properties listed here. Such material may be a different color from the cartridge head generally 940, may be the same color as the guard bar (not shown), and/or be made of the same material as the guard bar. If colored, the material may help guide or otherwise highlight the receiver section 924 for a user. In this way, when docking, the user can easily see where to dock the handle and push the pushrod barrel 940 into the receiver section 924 and be cushioned by the elastomeric coating. Such material in the receiver section 924 may cushion or lubricate the pushrod 912 barrel 940 when interacting during docking.

As discussed, the inside of the receiver section 1024 may be coated in or be made of a material that can help cushion the pushrod 1012 or otherwise lubricate its movement after it is docked.

FIG. 10 is a side view of FIG. 2 and a similar view of FIG. 7A. FIG. 10 shows the handle 1002 with taper section stopper 1094 ejecting the cartridge 1004. When a user pushes the button 1014 forward, compressing button spring 1096, the button cam 1088 pivots the single hook 1008 as disclosed in FIG. 8 and as shown by the arrows in FIG. 10. This pivot of the single hook 1008 disengages the single hook 1008 from the tab 1020 in the cartridge 1004. Once the single hook 1008 disengages the cartridge head 1004, there is no force holding the pushrod 1012 in the handle, and the spring 1090 is able to push the pushrod 1012 forward and out away from the handle 1002. The forward motion of the pushrod 1012 flicks, flings, or otherwise pushes the cartridge 1004 away from the handle 1002 at a rate of speed that is enough to dislodge the pushrod barrel 1040 from the receiver section 1024 and thereby completely disengage the cartridge 1004 from the docking section 1006 of the handle 1002.

As can be seen from the figure, after ejection of a cartridge, the pushrod 1012 is in its extended position, pushed by the spring 1090 out beyond the single hook 1008.

To show another detail example of the ejection sequence, focusing just on the handle and turning again to FIG. 5, in a cartridge release situation, the button (not shown) may be pressed forward by a user as described. This button movement may move an attached cam 588 forward and thereby pivots the single hook 508 to one side as shown by the arrows. The single hook 508 is shown with a pivot axis 510 to anchor it to the handle 502 and when pushed by the cam 588, to pivot to the side as depicted in FIG. 5. Because, in some embodiments, the pushrod 512 is always exerting a force out, away from the handle 502, once the single hook 512 disengages with the cartridge (not shown) the pushrod 512 is able to push off the cartridge (not shown) from the handle 502 by the pushing spring 590 force as described herein.

In some embodiments, after ejection, the single hook 508 is then returned to the center position by a separate spring (not shown) that pulls or pushes the back of the single hook 508 in the opposite way that the cam 588 pushed it to release. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the single hook 508 is pulled back to the center position by a second cam (not shown) attached to either the pushrod 512 or the button (not shown). The second cam (not shown) could interact with the single hook 508 in the opposite way that the first cam 588 would and pull the single hook 508 to the center when the handle is in a resting position.

To show another detail example of the ejection sequence, focusing just on the single hook's engagement of the cartridge, and turning again to FIG. 8, to release the cartridge, a user may push the button (not pictured) forward on the handle (not pictured) causing the single hook 808 to pivot to the side as shown and disengage the tab 820 on the cartridge head 804 as shown by moving into the gap 899. When the single hook 808 is in the gap 899 and not engaged to the tab 820, there is nothing left to hold the pushrod (not pictured) back and its spring pushes the pushrod forward to disengage the handle and cartridge 804. FIG. 8 also shows the top of the cartridge with the top of the cap showing 890, the bottom of the cartridge with the bottom of the guard bar showing 892, and the two sides 894, 896 of the cartridge.

The receiver section 824 example in FIG. 8 is constructed in a pocket shape or cavity which can receive the pushrod barrel (not shown) and the single hook 808 to dock the cartridge 804 to the handle (not shown). The receiver section 824 may include walls that keep the pushrod barrel held within the receiver group 824 even during operation when forces are applied to the cartridge 804 and handle. In some example embodiments, the receiver section 824 is coated in material or made of material with cushioning or lubricating properties. In some examples, the receiver section material is the same material as the guard bar on the front of the cartridge 804. The receiver section material could be any number of materials such as but not limited to, plastic, resin, foam, soap, rubber, latex, polystyrene, or other material. In some examples the material has properties such as feeling slippery when water is applied. Alternatively or additionally, in some examples, the material may have lubricative properties when dry and in some examples when wet, in some examples, the material may emit a pleasing odor dry or when water is applied. Alternatively or additionally, in some examples, the material may be water soluble and/or dissolve in water in order to lubricate the pivot action as described herein.

FIG. 11A shows a side view example of the handle 1102 and cartridge 1104 after the two are docked. In FIG. 11A, the pushrod barrel 1140 is engaged into the receiver section 1124 of the cartridge 1104 and exerting a pushing force on it while the single hook 1108 is engaged with the tab 1120 and is holding the cartridge 1104 to the handle 1102.

In use, a user may exert an external force on the end of the cartridge 1104 during a shaving stroke. Such a force may cause the cartridge 1104 to pivot backwards and toward the button 1114 side of the handle 1102. When the external force is lessened or removed, the cartridge head 1104 may return to its normal position, upright, forward, and/or away from the button 1114 side of the handle 1102.

The single hook 1108 may secure the tab 1120 and act as a fulcrum of the cartridge 1104 pivot. The pushrod barrel 1140 mounted in the receiver section 1124 may also act as a fulcrum of the pivot in some embodiments. The single hook 1108 may also exert a pulling force to counteract the pushing force by the pushrod 1112.

When in use, the cartridge 1104 may pivot as shown by the arrows. The pivot back may be caused by the user applying a force to the end of the cartridge 1104 during a shaving stroke. In some embodiments, the system is designed to spring back, that is, return to an upright position as shown herein. The spring force of the pushrod 1112 pushing out from the handle 1102 and into the cartridge head 1104 may serve in some embodiments as the return force for cartridge 1104 when it is pivoted backwards in use. In some embodiments, the single hook 1108 on the bottom of the cartridge head 1104 may also impart a pulling return force to pull the cartridge head 1104 upright when it is pivoted backwards in use. In some example embodiments, the single hook 1108 may flex during a pivot, which may also add a force to return the cartridge head 1104 when the external pivot force is removed.

The limits of travel of the cartridge head 1104 pivot may be constrained by the walls of the receiver section 1124 and the taper section stopper 1194. As the pushrod 1112 exerts a constant force forward, or away from the handle 1102 and the single hook 1108/tab 1120 intersection acts as the fulcrum, the cartridge head 1104 would flip completely forward and off the single hook 1108 if it were not stopped by the edge of the handle 1102 at the taper stopper section 1194. This taper stopper section 1194 may interact with the guard of the cartridge 1104 to stop it from flipping completely forward from the force of the pushrod 1112.

FIG. 11B shows a side view of an example handle 1102 and cartridge 1104 which are docked and where the cartridge 1104 is pivoted backwards. In the example figure, the single hook 1108 and tab 1120 are coupled and act as the fulcrum around which the pivot motion occurs. The pushrod 1112 pushes out from the handle 1102 but is spring loaded 1190 so may be pushed back into the handle 1102 by the backwards pivot force exerted by a user during operation. The pushrod 1112 and the barrel 1140 exert a force on the receiver section 1124 which is behind the tab 1120 and single hook 1108. Thus, the cartridge head 1104 may hinge backwards and pivot around these two interacting forces. The pushrod 1112 spring force may return the cartridge head 1104 to a resting forward position after the backwards pivot force is removed from the cartridge head 1104. In some embodiments, the limit of the forward position of the cartridge head is the taper ledge 1194 on the handle 1102 interacting with the guard portion of the cartridge 1104.

FIG. 12 shows an example detail embodiment of the cartridge 1204 with a back side 1298 and a front side 1299 and the pushrod 1212 but with an alternative or additional structure to help stop the cartridge head from flipping too far forward due to the force of the pushrod 1212. In FIG. 12, the pushrod 1212 barrel 1240 includes a stopper step, tooth, or other structure 1282 integrated onto its top. In some embodiments, the pushrod barrel 1240 is built with a tooth or step 1282 on the pushrod barrel 1240 that is a different radii from the barrel 1240 itself. That is, in some examples a tooth or step 1282 may protrude from the pushrod barrel 1240 to interact with the inside of the receiver section 1224 which can include a complementary, counter-matching step or tooth structure 1280. Such a structure on the pushrod barrel 1240 and receiver section 1224 could interact to stop the forward motion of the cartridge head 1204 beyond the tooth/step interaction 1280/1282 but would not impede the rearward pivot of the cartridge head 1204 during operation as described above.

In some embodiments, the tooth/step 1282 could be a ridge that runs around the pushrod barrel 1240. In some examples, the tooth/step 1280/1282 may be arranged in the middle of the barrel 1240/receiver section 1224 so as not to impede a docking or ejection sequence.

FIG. 13 shows an example cartridge 1304 with the tab 1320 coupled to the single hook 1308 from the handle docking system. The example in FIG. 13 shows how the arrangement of these affect the cartridge head as it moves in operation in a static forces diagram.

As can be seen on FIG. 13, the arrangement of the receiver section 1324 is pushed as far away from the blades 1305 in order to allow for rinse through of the cartridge 1304. But pushing the docking system, in this case, the receiver section 1324 down toward one end of the cartridge 1304 can impart forces on the cartridge during operation as described herein.

In a shaving operation, a user would hold the handle (not shown) and pull the razor cartridge 1304 across the target that they are shaving. This pulling motion would act on the cartridge head 1304 about the point 1356 in the docking system which in the example of FIG. 13 is the point where the tab 1308 on the cartridge 1304 touches the single hook 1320 attached to the handle. During a shaving stroke, the pulling 1352 of the cartridge 1304 across a target causes the blades 1305 to cut hairs. The cumulative forces of the blades cutting hairs results in an opposing force 1358 which can be modeled as a resultant force from the friction forces of the target hair on the razor blades 1305.

The distance between the user pulling force 1352 on the fulcrum 1356 and the pulling friction force 1358 on the blades 1305 is a distance 1350. This distance 1350 between the parts of the cartridge 1304 that these two forces act upon, creates a moment force 1354 about the fulcrum 1356. This moment force 1354 creates a twisting or torque force about the fulcrum 1356 that twists the end of the cartridge 1304 in a clockwise motion as seen from the view of FIG. 13. (If viewed from the opposite side, the torque twist would be counter-clockwise.) This resulting torque twist force 1354 in a shaving stroke may cause the cartridge 1304 to pivot back and away from the target that is to be shaved. The result of this torque twist force 1354 on the cartridge head 1304 during a shaving stroke may result in less contact of the blades 1305 on the target due to skipping, lifting, or missing hairs as the blades 1305 are pulled across the target. How much skipping and missing would depend on how much torque twist force is imparted during a shaving stroke.

As the moment force on the fulcrum 1356 can be calculated as:
M=F×d
where F is the friction force of 1358 by the blades and d is the distance 1350 between the fulcrum 1356 and the friction blade force 1358, it can be seen that the larger the distance, d, between the fulcrum 1356 and the plane of the blades 1305, the larger the moment force multiplier and the larger the resulting torque twist force 1354 imparted on the fulcrum 1356. Thus, to help minimize or lessen the torque twist force 1354 on the cartridge 1304, the distance d, 1350 can be minimized in the arrangement of the cartridge 1304.

In the arrangement of the example embodiments in this disclosure, the distance 1350 between the fulcrum 1356 of the single hook 1308 and tab 1320 and the blades 1305 which impart the friction force 1358, can be minimized to as little as 0.7 mm. This minimal distance may be achieved by the arrangement of the receiver section 1324 low on the cartridge 1304 and the arrangement of the tab 1320 inside the receiver section 1324. Such an arrangement, in some embodiments, can minimize the distance 1350 to between 0.3 and 0.8 mm. In some examples it is less than 1 mm. In some examples, the distance can be zero or near zero. This minimal distance in the embodiments disclosed here may result in a better shave with less skipping, less torque twist 1354 on the cartridge 1304, and a better pull 1352 across the target skin and hair.

FIG. 14A shows an alternative embodiment docking system, where instead of a single hook to hold the handle to the cartridge, two hooks 1409A, 1409B are used which oppose one another, and hook onto two tabs on a cartridge 1405 in a similar fashion to the single hook. In such example embodiments, the single pushrod 1441 may dock similarly to how it docks as described here, but instead of a single hook, under the pushrod, two hooks 1409A, 1409B may attach to two tabs on the cartridge 1405. Such hooks 1409A, 1490B may be arranged to pivot out and away from their respective tabs (shown by the arrows) when the button is pushed. The rest of the system may be similarly constructed with a spring loaded pushrod that can hold and eject the cartridge. A similar receiver section and pivot arrangements can be configured with two hooks instead of one as shown in FIG. 14A.

In alternate embodiments with two hooks as shown in FIG. 14A, the pushrod 1441 may include a Y shaped structure that can be used to limit the pivot of the cartridge as shown in FIG. 14B. FIG. 14B shows an example perspective of the handle 1403 and docking system 1407 without a cartridge. The opposing hook portions 1409A, 1409B are shown on either side of the pushrod 1441. The pushrod 1441 shows the Y shaped pivot 1411 and the branch 1413 that fits under the cartridge wedge as well as the branch that fits over or on top of 1415 the cartridge wedge (not shown) when docked. When the button (not shown) is pressed, and the docking system 1407 is actuated to eject a cartridge, opposing hook portions 1409A, 1409B, pivot away from the centerline of the handle 1403 that is, away from the pushrod 1441 and allow the pushrod 1441 to release its spring force and push away or eject the cartridge as described herein.

FIG. 14C shows a perspective of an example razor cartridge head 1405 according to this alternate embodiment, without the docking mechanism. FIG. 14 shows the tabs 1421A and 1421B on the cartridge 1405 which may engage with the two opposing hook portions (not shown) of the docking mechanism (not shown) when the razor cartridge 1405 is docked to the handle. These tabs may be hooked by the two opposing hook portions to keep the cartridge head 1405 attached to the handle during operation.

When the cartridge 1405 is docked, the two opposing hook portions of the docking mechanism are pressed against the ramps of the tabs 1421A, 1421B and the two opposing hook portions deflect over the tabs 1421A, 1421B and then snap into place, engaging the tabs 1421A, 1421B and holding the cartridge 1405 to the handle.

When the cartridge is ejected, the two opposing hook portions would move away from these tabs 1421A, 1421B toward the outside of the cartridge 1405 and into spaces 1429A, 1429B in the cartridge 1405 next to the tabs 1420 thereby releasing the cartridge 1405 from the docking mechanism. The pushrod would extend by spring force and press against the wedge 1425 to push or eject the cartridge 1405 away from the handle as the two tabs 1421A, 1421B are disengaged by the two opposing hook portions of the docking mechanism.

The wedge 1425 on the cartridge 1405 may engage with the Y shaped portion of the pushrod pivot (FIG. 14B) when the cartridge is docked. In this embodiment, it is this wedge 1425 which may limit the motion of the cartridge pivot by engaging and contacting the two branches of the Y (FIG. 14B) of the pushrod in the two limits of the pivot motion. The wedge 1425 may also interact with the pushrod when the cartridge is ejected when the two opposing hook portions disengage from their respective tabs 1421A, 1421B.

The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the embodiments and its practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in a sense of “including, but not limited to.” Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number respectively. Additionally, the words “herein,” “hereunder,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. When the word “or” is used in reference to a list of two or more items, that word covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list and any combination of the items in the list.

Although certain presently preferred implementations of the embodiments have been specifically described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the embodiments pertains that variations and modifications of the various implementations shown and described herein may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments. Accordingly, it is intended that the embodiments be limited only to the extent required by the applicable rules of law.

Zucker, Shlomo

Patent Priority Assignee Title
11298845, Nov 23 2016 DOLLAR SHAVE CLUB, INC Razor docking
11745371, Nov 23 2016 Dollar Shave Club, Inc. Razor cartridge
Patent Priority Assignee Title
2138353,
3934339, Oct 22 1971 Warner-Lambert Company Razor blade cartridge
3938247, Mar 05 1974 The Gillette Company Shaving system with pivotal head
3964159, May 03 1974 Warner-Lambert Company Adjustable safety razor
4016648, Aug 13 1975 Warner-Lambert Company Safety razor
4026016, May 12 1975 The Gillette Company Razor blade assembly
4057896, May 12 1975 The Gillette Company Razor handle
4063354, May 29 1975 The Gillette Company Shaving unit
4063357, Oct 08 1974 The Gillette Company Safety razors
4083104, May 12 1975 The Gillette Company Razor handle
4084316, Oct 08 1974 The Gillette Company Safety razors
4094063, Dec 15 1976 The Gillette Company Razor assembly with pivotally mounted cartridge
4168571, Feb 02 1977 The Gillette Company Shaving unit
4180907, Apr 12 1978 BANK OF VIRGINIA Razor with trap door feature for making blade change
4198746, Jun 09 1977 The Gillette Company All plastic swivel head razor handle
4200976, Nov 16 1976 Warner-Lambert Company Shaving units
4247982, Apr 02 1979 Warner-Lambert Company Skin-flow control razor
4253235, Jun 19 1979 The Gillette Company Shaving system
4253236, Jun 19 1979 The Gillette Company Razor blade assembly
4253237, Jun 19 1979 The Gillette Company Razor handle
4257160, Feb 14 1979 Kai Cutlery Center Co., Ltd. Two-bladed safety razor
4258471, Jun 19 1979 The Gillette Company Razor handle
4265015, Feb 28 1979 Kai Cutlery Center Company Limited Adjustable razor with blade cleaning means
4266340, Jun 11 1979 Warner-Lambert Company Razor handle for mounting pivotable razor blade cartridges
4270268, Dec 07 1979 The Gillette Company Razor blade assembly
4272885, Sep 08 1977 Warner-Lambert Company Shaving cartridge
4275498, Dec 31 1979 Warner-Lambert Company Safety razor blade cartridge
4281454, Aug 31 1979 The Gillette Company Shaving system
4281456, Nov 13 1979 The Gillette Company Razor handle with a pivotal connection means for an element of a blade cartridge mounted thereon
4282650, Aug 31 1979 The Gillette Company Razor blade assembly
4282651, Aug 31 1979 The Gillette Company Razor handle
4283850, Nov 13 1979 The Gillette Company Razor blade assembly with a removable blade cartridge
4288920, Nov 13 1979 The Gillette Company Shaving system with pivotally mounted razor cartridge
4300285, Feb 19 1979 Kai Cutlery Center Co., Ltd. Safety razor with blade cleaning means
4302876, Mar 14 1980 Warner-Lambert Company Razor blade with inclined edge
4308663, Dec 31 1979 Warner-Lambert Company Razor handle with latch for pivotable cartridge
4309821, May 25 1979 The Gillette Company Razor
4324041, Aug 07 1980 The Gillette Company Razor blade assembly
4335508, May 25 1979 The Gillette Company Safety razor heads
4337575, Aug 07 1980 The Gillette Company Razor blade assembly
4345374, Jan 14 1974 The Gillette Company Razor with means to adjust blade geometry
4354312, Oct 06 1980 The Gillette Company Shaving implement, housing therefor, and razor
4378633, Dec 07 1979 The Gillette Company Razor blade assembly
4378634, Dec 07 1979 GILLETTE COMPANY, THE Razor blade assembly
4389773, Apr 30 1981 GILLETTE COMPANY, THE GILLETTE PARK, BOSTON, MA A CORP OF DE Shaving implement
4392303, Dec 31 1979 Warner-Lambert Company One-piece razor handle
4395822, Oct 05 1981 Warner-Lambert Company Twin blade cartridge with purging fin and cooperating slidable cover cap
4403412, Aug 07 1980 The Gillette Company Razor blade assembly
4403413, Oct 06 1980 The Gillette Company Shaving implement
4403414, Apr 09 1981 Warner-Lambert Company Socket device for a pivotal razor
4407067, Oct 06 1980 The Gillette Company Shaving implement
4411065, Feb 25 1982 The Gillette Company Shaving cartridge assembly
4413411, Feb 25 1982 The Gillette Company Razor handle
4422237, Feb 25 1982 The Gillette Company Razor handle
4428116, Mar 02 1981 Warner-Lambert Company Support for releasably retaining a blade cartridge
4442598, Dec 07 1979 The Gillette Company Razor blade assembly
4443940, May 25 1979 The Gillette Company Safety razor head
4446619, Jun 07 1982 The Gillette Company Razor handle
4486952, Oct 06 1980 The Gillette Company Shaving implement
4488357, Sep 17 1982 The Gillette Company; GILLETTE COMPANY THE, GIL Safety razor
4492024, Sep 17 1982 The Gillette Company; GILLETTE COMPANY THE Razor blade assembly
4492025, Sep 17 1982 The Gillette Company; GILLETTE COMPANY, THE Razor handle assembly
4498235, Sep 17 1982 The Gillette Company Razor blade assembly
4514904, Sep 21 1983 The Gillette Company Razor handle
4551916, Sep 17 1982 The Gillette Company Razor blade assembly
4573266, Sep 17 1982 The Gillette Company Razor blade assembly
4574476, Sep 27 1982 Warner-Lambert Company Razor blade assembly
4587729, Sep 17 1982 The Gillette Company Safety razor
4599793, May 23 1984 American Safety Razor Company Razor connector
4621424, Aug 02 1983 The Gillette Company Razor blade assembly
4739553, Dec 15 1986 The Gillette Company Razor handle assembly
4785534, Dec 07 1987 The Gillette Company Razor
4797998, Dec 08 1986 Warner-Lambert Company Lockable pivotable razor
4868983, Jun 01 1987 The Gillette Company Safety razor with plural adjustable blades
4901437, May 25 1984 American Safety Razor Company Razor head and method of manufacture
4932122, Dec 21 1987 The Gillette Company Safety razor blade assembly
4932123, May 08 1987 The Gillette Company Improvements in or relating to safety razors
5016352, Mar 22 1990 The Gillette Company; GILLETTE COMPANY, THE, A CORP OF DE Single button razor
5038472, Nov 17 1989 Warner-Lambert Company Pivoting safety razor assembly
5044077, Apr 10 1990 Warner-Lambert Company Razor mechanism
5107590, Mar 26 1991 Eveready Battery Company, Inc Razor handle
5134775, Sep 21 1989 Eveready Battery Company, Inc Shaver head with dispenser
5141694, Apr 24 1987 Warner-Lambert Company Process for insert molding wet-shaving razor unit
5157834, Apr 10 1990 Warner-Lambert Company Razor mechanism with slidable cartridge support
5182858, Jun 05 1989 Warner-Lambert Company Razor mechanism
5191712, Oct 28 1988 The Gillette Company Safety razors and guards
5224267, Jun 11 1990 The Gillette Company; GILLETTE COMPANY, THE Safety razors
5236439, Feb 25 1992 Eveready Battery Company, Inc Razor cartridge with improved rinsability
5313705, May 13 1991 Eveready Battery Company, Inc Segmented guard bar with improved skin flow control
5313706, Jul 18 1991 Eveready Battery Company, Inc Razor head with variable shaving geometry
5318429, Apr 24 1987 Warner-Lambert Company Process for insert molding wet-shaving razor unit and unit made therefrom
5331740, Oct 08 1992 The Gillette Company; GILLETTE COMPANY, THE Shaving system
5333383, Sep 01 1992 Eveready Battery Company, Inc Razor handle mechanism with convex-concave slidable cartridge support
5359774, Mar 28 1992 Eveready Battery Company, Inc Razor head of a wet razor
5365665, Mar 06 1992 Eveready Battery Company, Inc Razor head with flow passages
5373638, May 02 1992 Warner-Lambert Company Razor head, especially razor blade unit of a wet razor
5377409, Oct 08 1992 Eveready Battery Company, Inc One-push cleaning mechanism for flexible wet-shaving razor unit
5410812, Mar 13 1992 Eveready Battery Company, Inc Razor head of a wet razor
5416974, Mar 27 1990 The Gillette Company Safety razors and blade units therefor
5426851, Apr 02 1991 GILLETTE COMPANY, THE Safety razors
5456009, Aug 23 1994 Warner-Lambert Company Multi-blade razor head with improved performance
5526567, Oct 08 1992 The Gillette Company Shaving system
5533263, Nov 27 1991 The Gillette Company Razors
5551153, Jun 12 1990 The Gillette Company Razor blade assembly
5557851, Apr 28 1994 Eveready Battery Company, Inc Dynamic flexible razor head
5630275, Aug 23 1994 ALMER, CHARLES W III Multi-blade razor head with improved performance
5661907, Apr 10 1996 The Gillette Company; GILLETTE COMPANY, THE, A DE CORP Razor blade assembly
5669139, Nov 27 1991 The Gillette Company Razor with blade protection means
5761814, Oct 03 1994 The Gillette Company Razor construction
5784790, Apr 10 1996 The Gillette Company Shaving razor and method
5787586, Apr 10 1996 GILLETTE COMPANY, THE Shaving system and method
5794354, Nov 27 1991 The Gillette Company Razors
5813119, Jan 17 1997 Eveready Battery Company, Inc Razors which actively flex a razor head in response to shaving forces
5813293, Apr 10 1996 The Gillette Company Shaving system and method
5822869, Apr 10 1996 The Gillette Company Razor handle
5855071, Apr 10 1996 The Gillette Company Razor handle
5918369, Apr 10 1996 The Gillette Company Shaving system and method
5953824, Sep 23 1997 Eveready Battery Company, Inc Razors providing pivoting and swivelling razor head support
5953825, Jan 16 1996 GILLETTE COMPANY, THE Safety razors
5956851, Apr 10 1996 The Gillette Company Shaving system including handle and replaceable cartridges
6009624, Sep 30 1997 The Gillette Company LLC Razor cartridge with movable blades
6026577, Oct 15 1993 Eveready Battery Company, Inc Disposable razor with removable razor head
6029354, Apr 10 1996 The Gillette Company Shaving system and method
6035537, Sep 30 1997 The Gillette Company LLC Razor cartridge with metal clip retaining blades
6044542, Nov 25 1997 The Gillette Company LLC Razor cartridge with metal clip retaining blades
6112412, Apr 21 1999 Eveready Battery Company, Inc Razor assembly and cartridge having improved wash-through
6115924, Apr 13 1992 The Gillette Company Razor with a movable cartridge
6122826, Apr 22 1998 Eveready Battery Company, Inc Disposable cartridge holder for single direction pivoting cartridge
6138361, Apr 21 1999 Eveready Battery Company, Inc Pivotable razor assembly and cartridge
6173498, Aug 05 1996 The Gillette Company LLC Razor
6182366, Apr 21 1999 Eveready Battery Company, Inc Flexible razor assembly and cartridge
6212777, Sep 29 1993 The Gillette Company Safety razors
6216349, Sep 29 1993 The Gillette Company Safety razors
6216561, Jun 06 1998 Method for manufacture of a razor head
6266884, Apr 01 1998 BLACK DIAMOND COMMERCIAL FINANCE, L L C Triple blade safety razor
6276062, Apr 01 1998 BLACK DIAMOND COMMERCIAL FINANCE, L L C Triple blade safety razor
6295734, Mar 23 1995 The Gillette Company LLC Safety razors
6311400, Jul 22 1997 GILLETTE COMPANY, THE Safety razor
6317990, Oct 15 1993 Eveready Battery Company, Inc Disposable razor with removable razor head
6381857, Apr 13 1992 The Gillette Company Razor with a movable cartridge
6393706, Oct 15 1993 Eveready Battery Company, Inc Disposable razor with removable razor head
6430818, Feb 06 1998 BLACK DIAMOND COMMERCIAL FINANCE, L L C Shaving cartridge
6434839, Jun 24 2000 Dorco Co., Ltd. Safety razor
6502318, Nov 27 1991 The Gillette Company Razors
6550141, Jul 28 2000 Edgewell Personal Care Brands, LLC Razor heads with intermediate guard elements
6560881, Feb 28 2001 Edgewell Personal Care Brands, LLC Shaving razor with pivoting blade carrier and replaceable blade cartridge therefor
6584696, Oct 15 1993 Eveready Battery Company, Inc Disposable razor with removable razor head
6612040, Nov 27 1991 The Gillette Company Razors
6615498, Jun 12 2000 Edgewell Personal Care Brands, LLC Flexible member for a shaving razor
6655029, Mar 30 1998 Kai R & D Center Co., Ltd.; KAI R & D CENTER CO , LTD Safety razor
6769180, Jul 02 2001 Edgewell Personal Care Brands, LLC Shaving implement having static and dynamic blades
6772523, Apr 21 1999 Eveready Battery Company, Inc Pivotable and flexible razor assembly and cartridge
6792682, Dec 21 2001 Edgewell Personal Care Brands, LLC Razor cartridge with shaving aid
6807739, Oct 22 2001 Edgewell Personal Care Brands, LLC Shaving device
6839968, May 09 2002 The Gillette Company LLC Shaving systems
6854188, Oct 24 2002 Edgewell Personal Care Brands, LLC One-piece spring for razor handle
6880253, Jun 23 2000 BIC VIOLEX S A Razor with a movable shaving head
6935032, Jan 30 2002 Edgewell Personal Care Brands, LLC Razor cartridge
6990740, Dec 21 2001 Edgewell Personal Care Brands, LLC Razor assembly with replaceable cartridge
7047646, Apr 27 2001 Edgewell Personal Care Brands, LLC Wet shaving cartridge with four blade edges
7086160, Oct 21 2002 Edgewell Personal Care Brands, LLC Bidirectional shaving implement
7111401, Feb 04 2003 Edgewell Personal Care Brands, LLC Razor head having skin controlling means
7137205, Oct 01 2002 The Gillette Company LLC Linkage mechanism providing a virtual pivot axis for razor apparatus with pivotal head
7140116, Jun 25 2003 Edgewell Personal Care Brands, LLC Razor having a multi-position shaving head
7152512, Apr 18 2002 American Safety Razor Razor handle with spring fingers
7168173, Mar 11 2004 The Gillette Company LLC Shaving system
7191523, Jul 17 2001 KAI R&D CENTER CO , LTD Safety razor
7200937, Jan 17 1997 Eveready Battery Company, Inc Razor head with moveable blade package
7200938, Feb 19 2003 Edgewell Personal Care Brands, LLC Multiple blade razor cartridge
7200942, Mar 28 2001 Edgewell Personal Care Brands, LLC Safety razor with pivot point shift from center to guard-bar under applied load
7210229, Apr 24 2002 Edgewell Personal Care Brands, LLC Razor cartridge
7266895, Apr 24 2002 Edgewell Personal Care Brands, LLC Razor assembly
7272991, Feb 09 2004 The Gillette Company LLC Shaving razors, and blade subassemblies therefor and methods of manufacture
7331107, Dec 20 2005 Edgewell Personal Care Brands, LLC Pivot axis for a shaving cartridge
7448135, Mar 29 2006 The Gillette Company LLC Multi-blade razors
7461458, Jun 14 2006 Edgewell Personal Care Brands, LLC Wet shaving razor
7469477, Apr 24 2002 Edgewell Personal Care Brands, LLC Razor assembly
7475483, Apr 11 2007 Edgewell Personal Care Brands, LLC Shaving implement
7526869, Jun 08 2006 Edgewell Personal Care Brands, LLC Razor handle
7540088, Jan 31 2005 KAI R & D CENTER CO , LTD Safety razor shaving face, arms and legs
7574809, Jun 20 2005 Edgewell Personal Care Brands, LLC Shaving implement having a cap forward pivot
7578062, Nov 14 2003 The Gillette Company LLC Safety razors
7607230, Feb 09 2004 The Gillette Company LLC Blade subassemblies for shaving razors
7621203, Feb 09 2004 The Gillette Company LLC Shaving razors, and blade subassemblies therefor and methods of manufacture
7669335, Mar 11 2004 The Gillette Company LLC Shaving razors and shaving cartridges
7676929, Jan 28 2003 Edgewell Personal Care Brands, LLC Razor blade platform and razor cartridge using same
7685720, Sep 07 2004 BIC-VIOLEX S A Razor handle and shaver including such a handle
7690122, Mar 11 2004 The Gillette Company LLC Shaving razor with button
7765700, Feb 09 2004 The Gillette Company LLC Blade subassemblies for shaving razors
7770294, Aug 30 2007 The Gillette Company LLC Razor with blade unit biasing member
7802368, Apr 24 2002 Edgewell Personal Care Brands, LLC Razor assembly
7877879, Sep 09 2005 KAI R&D CENTER CO , LTD Razor
7895754, Nov 14 2003 The Gillette Company LLC Safety razors
7913393, Oct 07 2008 The Gillette Company LLC Safety razor with multi-pivot blade unit
7966731, Nov 17 2006 The Gillette Company LLC Shaving razors and shaving cartridges with trimming assembly and anode-cathode cell
7992304, Feb 14 2006 KAI R&D CENTER CO , LTD Razor
8033023, Oct 20 2004 The Gillette Company LLC Shaving razors and cartridges
8046920, Feb 14 2006 KAI R&D CENTER CO , LTD Razor
8096054, May 23 2008 Feintechnik GmbH Eisfeld Razor blade unit with film hinge
8104179, Feb 14 2006 KAI R&D CENTER CO , LTD Razor
8104184, Mar 11 2004 The Gillette Company LLC Shaving cartridges and razors
8117753, Sep 27 1999 The Gillette Company LLC Safety razors
8146255, May 22 2008 Feintechnik GmbH Eisfeld Razor blade unit with cutting edge support
8151472, Sep 07 2004 Bic-Violex SA Razor handle and shaver including such a handle
8205343, Jun 19 2008 The Gillette Company LLC Safety razor having pivotable blade unit
8205344, Aug 20 2008 The Gillette Company LLC Safety razor having pivotable blade unit
8225510, Sep 29 2008 The Gillette Company LLC Razors and razor cartridges with a decreased total interblade span
8234789, Oct 29 2008 The Gillette Company LLC Razor with floatably secured shaving blade member
8281497, Oct 30 2007 Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha Lamp holder comprising lamp-clamping pins and being mounted at a variable rotation angle on the lamp housing surface
8286354, Mar 11 2004 The Gillette Company LLC Shaving razors and shaving cartridges
8336212, Jun 20 2006 Bic-Violex SA Razor blade unit
8359751, Aug 25 2006 Bic-Violex SA Shaving blade unit comprising a movable trimming blade protector and shaver having such a blade unit
8359752, Jun 17 2010 The Gillette Company LLC Shaving razor cartridge
8381406, Dec 05 2008 Kai R&D Center Co., Ltd. Replacement blade razor
8448339, Aug 03 2010 The Gillette Company LLC Shaving cartridge with supressed blade geometry
8474144, Aug 12 2009 The Gillette Company LLC Safety razor with rotational movement and locking button
8499459, Aug 25 2006 Bic-Violex SA Shaving blade unit and shaver having such a blade unit
8544177, Nov 02 2007 The Gillette Company LLC Razor with rearwardly secured shaving blade member
8590162, May 31 2007 DORCO CO , LTD Shaver
8640342, Jul 24 2009 The Gillette Company LLC Pivoting resilient skin contacting member for razor cartridges
8707562, Apr 27 2001 Edgewell Personal Care Brands, LLC Wet shaving cartridge with four blade edges
8732955, Oct 20 2010 The Gillette Company LLC Shaving razor including a biasing member producing a progressively increasing cartridge return torque
8732965, Oct 01 2008 Bic-Violex SA Razor handles to be releasably connected to shaving cartridges and razors including such handles
8745882, Sep 29 2010 The Gillette Company LLC Flexible and separable portion of a razor handle
8745883, Sep 29 2010 The Gillette Company LLC Razor handle with a rotatable portion
8769825, Oct 20 2010 The Gillette Company LLC Shaving razor including a biasing member producing a progressively increasing cartridge return torque and handle geometry enhancing control during shaving
8789282, May 25 2012 SL SHAVECO LLC Magnetic attachment for shaving cartridge
8793880, Feb 16 2010 The Gillette Company LLC Shaving razor adapter attaching a shaving razor cartridge to a shaving razor handle
8938885, May 01 2012 The Gillette Company LLC Razor handle with a rotatable portion
8978258, Apr 05 2011 The Gillette Company LLC Razor handle with a rotatable portion
8984756, Mar 11 2004 The Gillette Company LLC Shaving system
8991058, Feb 23 2009 Bic Violex Shaving blade unit and shaver having such a blade unit
9015951, Jun 21 2011 The Gillette Company LLC Razor cartridge with skin contact element
9032627, Feb 23 2009 Bic-Violex SA Shaving blade unit and shaver having such a blade unit
9032631, Mar 28 2012 The Gillette Company LLC Indicia for razor with a rotatable portion
9073226, Feb 09 2011 The Gillette Company Pivoting razor
9193077, Mar 11 2004 The Gillette Company LLC Shaving razor cartridge having connecting member
9193078, Mar 11 2004 The Gillette Company LLC Shaving razors and shaving cartridges
9193079, Dec 22 2011 The Gillette Company LLC Linkage mechanism for a razor
9248579, Jul 16 2008 The Gillette Company LLC Razors and razor cartridges
9259846, Oct 07 2014 Insignia IP Holding Company, LLC Shaving device
9283685, Jul 26 2012 SL SHAVECO LLC Pivoting razors
9296117, Mar 23 2010 The Gillette Company LLC Shaving cartridges having a plurality of arrays
9321182, Nov 01 2013 The Gillette Company LLC Razor cartridge for a liquid dispensing razor
9327414, Jan 05 2012 The Gillette Company LLC Pivoting razor
9333657, Jan 26 2004 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N V Safety razor apparatus having a pivotable grip portion
9364961, Oct 05 2009 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N V Shaving device having a safe razor blade unit
9381657, Dec 09 2011 The Gillette Company LLC Replaceable fluid dispensing cartridge
9434079, Mar 11 2004 The Gillette Company LLC Shaving razors and shaving cartridges
9469038, Jul 31 2009 Bic-Violex SA Wet shaver
9475202, Sep 27 2012 SL SHAVECO LLC Shaving systems
9486930, Sep 27 2012 SL SHAVECO LLC Shaving systems
9498892, May 18 2011 KAI R&D CENTER CO , LTD Pivoting razor
9579809, Dec 20 2013 The Gillette Company LLC Removable razor cartridge having magnetic elements
9586330, Dec 09 2011 The Gillette Company LLC Replaceable fluid dispensing cartridge
9623575, Dec 18 2012 SL SHAVECO LLC Shaving systems
9630331, Sep 28 2012 SL SHAVECO LLC Shaving systems
9643327, Feb 20 2013 The Gillette Company LLC Wet shaving razor
9656401, Aug 21 2012 The Gillette Company LLC Personal-care appliance and method of assembly
9738000, Oct 16 2009 Edgewell Personal Care Brands, LLC Lubrication box for a wet shaving implement
20030046819,
20030079348,
20030213130,
20040103538,
20040128835,
20040181949,
20040181953,
20040181954,
20040216310,
20040231161,
20040255467,
20050015991,
20050039338,
20050241162,
20060032056,
20060242847,
20060254056,
20060260131,
20060283025,
20070056167,
20070227009,
20070266565,
20080034593,
20090083982,
20090113716,
20090188112,
20090193659,
20100154220,
20100251555,
20100313424,
20110094108,
20110119922,
20110232101,
20120124840,
20120151772,
20120279070,
20130008029,
20130097869,
20130205595,
20130269190,
20130312265,
20140000114,
20140026424,
20140033551,
20140068953,
20140083265,
20140096402,
20140116211,
20140165800,
20140237830,
20140245613,
20140283387,
20140331500,
20150013169,
20150090085,
20150158190,
20150190935,
20150197017,
20150217466,
20150239137,
20150273708,
20150290819,
20150314465,
20160001454,
20160001455,
20160031101,
20160082610,
20160096280,
20160158948,
20160158950,
20160236364,
20160279817,
20160297086,
20170021513,
20170028577,
20170151684,
20170282389,
20180071931,
20180236677,
DE102004061446,
DE102010006807,
DE102013007223,
DE102013007224,
DE102013213862,
DE102015002458,
DE10327739,
DE202011107715,
DE202013002343,
DE202013003009,
DE202014007575,
DE30104558,
EP1332026,
EP1488894,
EP1671761,
EP1847360,
EP2227360,
EP2583800,
EP3075498,
ES1079011,
ES2290591,
ES2342497,
GB2461054,
GB2507971,
IT20110077,
NL2013416,
NO2009066218,
NO2010139618,
NO2012005839,
NO2012158141,
NO2012158142,
NO2014075844,
NO2014139655,
NO2015090385,
NO2016113553,
NO3232632,
NO3232633,
RO118269,
RU2433909,
SE1230136,
TR200402255,
WO2016036238,
WO2016040549,
////
Executed onAssignorAssigneeConveyanceFrameReelDoc
Jan 29 2017ZUCKER, SHLOMOPERSONAL CARE MARKETING AND RESEARCH, INC ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS 0473450288 pdf
May 11 2018Personal Care Marketing and Research, Inc.(assignment on the face of the patent)
Jan 13 2022PERSONAL CARE MARKETING AND RESEARCH, INC DOLLAR SHAVE CLUB, INC MERGER SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS 0589850067 pdf
Nov 01 2023DOLLAR SHAVE CLUB, INC GATEWAY PERSONAL CARE INVESTMENT, LLCSECURITY INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS 0654700739 pdf
Date Maintenance Fee Events
May 11 2018BIG: Entity status set to Undiscounted (note the period is included in the code).
Jun 08 2023M1551: Payment of Maintenance Fee, 4th Year, Large Entity.


Date Maintenance Schedule
Feb 25 20234 years fee payment window open
Aug 25 20236 months grace period start (w surcharge)
Feb 25 2024patent expiry (for year 4)
Feb 25 20262 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 4)
Feb 25 20278 years fee payment window open
Aug 25 20276 months grace period start (w surcharge)
Feb 25 2028patent expiry (for year 8)
Feb 25 20302 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 8)
Feb 25 203112 years fee payment window open
Aug 25 20316 months grace period start (w surcharge)
Feb 25 2032patent expiry (for year 12)
Feb 25 20342 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 12)